Most of Connecticut’s coastline abuts Long Island Sound. As you venture east, though, the Sound becomes the Atlantic Ocean. Over the centuries, CT sailors have taken to the high seas on some very notable and remarkable journeys. The first American to spot Antarctica sailed from Stonington. The crew that recovered the lost British ship The Resolute (from which the President’s Oval Office desk was made) was from New London. CT was second only to Massachusetts in whaling – and we have the last intact wooden whaling ship afloat from those years. The historic and handsome lighthouses along the shoreline hold stories of their own. These stories, and more, from the high seas help one realize the importance of the state’s contribution to maritime history.

Mon, Sep 8, 2025; 12:00

Daughters of American Revolution (Lady Fenwick Chapter), Cheshire

(open to the public - registration requested)

The iconic Housatonic Railroad continues to chug along, some 185 years after its first maiden run from Bridgeport to New Milford in 1840. It marked the arrival of a revolutionary new form of transportation – one that replaced stagecoaches and canal barges. The Housatonic has survived numerous ownership changes, the ending of passenger service, and a long period of inactivity along a crucial stretch of the line. But it’s still in operation with freight service today. We’ll review the history of the railroad, including a photographic review showing where all of the former passenger stations were located. Special attention will be paid to the Merwinsville Station in the Gaylordsville section of New Milford.

Thu, Sep 11, 2025; 6:00 p.m.

Burnham Library in Bridgewater

Co-sponsored by Bridgewater Historical Society

(open to the public; registration required on the library website)

Of all the legendary figures who have come through New York, few have had the staying power or notoriety of The Leatherman. For six years during the late 1880s, this so-called "hobo" hiked the same, 365-mile, circuitous route every 34 days like clockwork. Residents could predict when he would return to their town. While The Leatherman kept to less populated towns, he always slept in caves. Wearing a self-made leather suit from head to toe, he shunned conversation. A journalist claimed to know The Leatherman’s identity, but that later proved to be a hoax.

Wed, Sep 17, 2025; 6:00 p.m.

Yorktown, NY Public Library

(open to the public)

It’s the largest water body in Connecticut - a beautiful recreational facility with 70 miles of coastline that sports multi-million dollar mansions and 46 billion gallons of water that supports flotillas of recreational water craft. And yet, the primary purpose of 100-year-old Candlewood Lake is to generate electricity using incredibly unique hydro power technology. This award-winning project meant the flooding of two villages and the creation of engineering marvels that are still awe-inspiring a century after they were built.

Thu, Sep 18, 2025; 6:30 p.m.

New Milford Public Library

(open to the public)

He walked the same, 365-mile, circuitous route every 34 days - and you could predict when he would return to your town. The Leatherman wore a 60-pound suit of leather that covered him from the hat on his head to the boots on his feet. Three people are primarily responsible for compiling the information we have on him today - although the mystery remains: who was he? Nobody knows, even though a hoax was perpetrated on the public in the 1800s that lived on for decades. You’ll hear the story at this presentation.

Tue, Sep 23, 2025; 6:30 p.m.

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Waterbury

(open to the public)

He’s perhaps this country’s most famous and beloved author. Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, spent 25% of his life in Connecticut – including in Hartford (where he wrote some of his most famous works) and Redding (where he died). Despite his reputation as a humorist, he hid the bitter pain he suffered following numerous personal tragedies. This presentation will provide a summary overview of his life and concentrate on his years in Connecticut, particularly his final two years in Redding.

Thu, Oct 16, 2025; 5:00 p.m.

Bigelow Center for Seniors, Fairfield

(open to the public - registration recommended)

Some of them are hidden by underbrush and virtually invisible while others are proudly displayed in clear settings. They are the few remaining stone mile markers in Connecticut. In the 1700s and 1800s, about 600 of these stones were installed along the state’s original dirt turnpikes. Over time, they have dwindled to fewer than 150 remaining. For the curious, they can be deceptively difficult to locate, even with an address in hand. To the hobbyist, finding one brings huge satisfaction. Learn about the evolution of signage from colonial days to the present and see where many of these stones can still be seen.

Mon, Oct 27, 2025; 6:30 p.m.

Fairfield Woods Branch Library, Fairfield

(open to the public - advanced reservations advised)

It was the first murder in the history of the town of Brookfield, Connecticut. A stabbing death. Reporters would call it an “open and shut case.” Witnesses told police that they saw one man stab another during an alcohol-fueled argument. Case closed. Instead, it turned out to be anything but routine. The girlfriend of the accused would tell two local reporters, including i-95 FM’s Mike Allen, that her boyfriend didn’t stab his landlord – the Devil did the stabbing. Further claims of demonic possession and exorcisms performed by the Catholic Church added to the intrigue surrounding the case. It drew international attention and all major U.S. networks flocked to the community to discern the truth. The late demonologist and clairvoyant, Ed and Lorraine Warren, played prominent roles. The late Dick Clark produced a nationwide TV movie on the case in 1983, and Netflix released a documentary about it in 2023.

Fri, Oct 24, 2025; 6:00 p.m.

Burnham Public Library, Bridgewater

(open to the public; registration required on library website)

[FURTHER DETAILS TO COME]

It was a stabbing death that reporters would call a relatively straightforward case – one man stabbed another during an argument. Witnesses saw it. Case closed. Instead, it turned out to be anything but routine. Claims that the assailant in this Brookfield case was possessed by demonic forces stole the headlines and continues to generate interest internationally. The late Ed and Lorraine Warren played prominent roles, the late Dick Clark produced a nationwide TV movie on the case in 1983, and Netflix released a British documentary about it as recently as 2023.

Thu, Oct 30, 2025; 10:30 a.m.

Learning in Retirement, Stamford

(call in advance if interested in attending)

Artist Peter Toth spent several decades traveling the U.S., sculpting wooden statues depicting the Native Americans in each state – and then donated his work for free to that state. At least one statue was made for each state. But, the Connecticut statue is no longer standing and finding information about its past, its whereabouts, its status, and its future prospects is nearly impossible to come by. I found the statue and will tell the amazing story.

Wed, Nov 12, 2025; 12:30 p.m.

Litchfield Community Center

(open to the public - free lunch served; registration required)

Further details to be announced.

Thu, Nov 13, 2025; 6:30 p.m.

Ridgefield Historical Society

(contact RHS in advance for tickets)

When the U.S. decided that alcohol was no longer benefiting society, every state – except two – voted to amend to the Constitution to outlaw the manufacturing and sale of liquor. Connecticut did not support the change. When the ban on booze became the law of the land, many people in the state found creative means around it and the Long Island Sound coastline afforded many opportunities for bootleggers.

Tue, Nov 18, 2025; 6:00 p.m.

Connecticut River Museum, Essex

(open to the public - registration recommended)

Nobody has ever been charged by Scotland Yard in England with being the notorious murderer Jack the Ripper. But a Connecticut woman, Florence Maybrick, did spend time in jail in England, after being convicted of killing her husband - who some people claim was the infamous killer. She lived out her life after prison in western Connecticut, incognito, and only a handful of persons knew her true identity until after she died. Was she guilty? Was she framed?

Wed, Dec 3, 2025; 6:30 p.m.

Cheshire Public Library

(open to the public - registration recommended)

When the U.S. changed its Constitution to outlaw alcohol in 1919, only two states refused to endorse the change – and Connecticut was one of them. Port cities along Long Island Sound offered ideal smuggling locations for rum runners. The populace generally helped speakeasy owners by giving them a head’s up when police were nearby. The Prohibition Era gave rise to several notorious bootleggers, including East Haven’s Nellie Green and Bridgeport-based mobster Dutch Schultz.

Wed, Jan 14, 2026; 1:30 p.m.

Hilltop Senior Center, Bridgewater

(call ahead if interested in attending)